“A number of casualties were reported near to Debden Park High School, and, sadly a local 12-year-old boy died after being taken to hospital.

“At Essex Police, and on behalf of all those called to the school, our thoughts are with his family, his friends and with all those injured or affected by what happened this afternoon.

“This has been an incredibly difficult day for the local community, and we ask everyone to continue to show the kindness and bravery that we have seen today, and to respect the privacy of all those involved.”

Ch. Sup. Harman then released the name of “a man we want to speak to in connection with this investigation” as “local man, 51-year-old Terry Glover from Loughton”.

She said officers have searched number of addresses this evening in an attempt to find him, but they had so far been unsuccessful.

“Our searches for him, and a silver Ford KA with the registration LS08 OKW, are continuing,” she said.

“I’d like to make a direct plea to Mr Glover if he’s watching or listening to this: please come forward and talk to us.”

Anyone with information about Mr Glover’s whereabouts or car is asked to call 999 immediately, quoting the incident number 726 of Monday 2 December

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